May 3, 2023
In this Issue: Celebrating Cinco de Mayo ● Challenging the First Amendment ● Lake County Members of Congress Host Important Events This Week ● Remembering Groundbreaking Singer, Actor, and Lifelong Activist Harry Belafonte ● Donkey Pins Arrive by Mother’s Day—Order Now ● Volunteer Spotlight ● ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) ● Upcoming Events
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Celebrating Cinco de Mayo
Lake County Democrats celebrate and honor Mexican heritage and the valuable contributions of Mexican Americans to our community.
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Challenging the First Amendment
The American Library Association (ALA) upholds the basic freedom and right of individuals to decide for themselves what content they consume. In fact, the ALA believes books should not be removed from libraries due to partisan or doctrinal disapproval and also affirms that equity, diversity, and inclusion are central to intellectual freedom. Books are an integral part of our cultural fabric.
Earlier this year, the ALA released statistics showing that relative to 2021, the number of challenges to books nearly doubled in 2022. Work by literary luminary Toni Morrison, two books that have won the Michael L. Printz award including a novel by John Green, and a National Book Award winner appear on the ALA’s Top 13 Most Challenged Books of 2022. Would-be censors have frequently targeted I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou, The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, and A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein—and continue to do so.
The First Amendment guarantees all individuals the right to express their own ideas, and to read and listen to the ideas of others without governmental interference. Please consider standing up for your First Amendment rights by checking out a challenged book at your local public library today.
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Lake County Members of Congress Host Important Events This Week
Jan Schakowsky’s 2023 Annual Ultimate Women’s Power Lunch
Friday, May 5, 2023 at 11:30am. Register here.
Women for Brad Luncheon
Sunday, May 7, 2023 at 11am. RSVP here.
Wrigley with Quigley – Cubs vs. Cardinals
Monday, May 8, 2023 at 6pm. Register here.
Remembering Groundbreaking Singer, Actor, and Lifelong Activist Harry Belafonte
As an activist and entertainer, Harry Belafonte influenced both music and the drive for civil rights, from the beginning of his career until his death last week. He helped his good friend the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. organize the 1963 March on Washington and continued to use his voice and influence to advocate for social justice throughout his life, from speaking out against apartheid in South Africa to supporting the fight against climate change.
Hear more about this cultural icon here.
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Donkey Pins Arrive by Mother’s Day—Order Now
You can still get these sparkly silver-tone and rhinestone donkey pins by Mother’s Day! Dress it up or dress it down—perfect for any occasion.
Don’t just give flowers … order your pins today. Available for a $20 donation (additional donations always welcome). You can pick yours up at one of our office locations or we can we mail for a small fee.
Click Here to Order your Rhinestone Donkey Pin Today
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Volunteer Spotlight
Lake Dems is grateful for our many active volunteers. Click here if you’re interested in helping.
Brian Prigge, a Democratic Precinct Committeeperson and newly elected trustee in the Village of Barrington, was instrumental in electing five other school board and library board trustees. The group battled against slates of candidates who would ban books and otherwise promote right-wing ideas for our schools. We are so glad he has joined our team.
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ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
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Upcoming Events
THURSDAY, MAY 4
North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic Annual Spring Event 2023. 6:30pm, Northbrook. More.
FRIDAY, MAY 5
Lake County Juvenile Justice Council’s 2nd Annual Spring Seminar. 8:30am-4:30pm, North Chicago. More.
Jan Schakowsky’s 2023 Annual Ultimate Women’s Power Lunch. 11:30am, luncheon begins at noon, Chicago. More.
SATURDAY, MAY 6
Wauconda Township Democratic Organization Highway Cleanup. 1-3pm, Wauconda. More.
SUNDAY, MAY 7
Women for Brad Luncheon. Doors open at 11am, program starts at 11:30am, Northbrook. More.
MONDAY, MAY 8
Wrigley with Quigley – Cubs vs. Cardinals. 6pm, Chicago. More.
Antioch & Grant Township Democrats May Meeting. 6:30-8pm, Lake Villa. More.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 10
Mental Health and the Legal System. 1:30-4pm, location TBD. More.
Planned Parenthood of Illinois Annual Celebration. 5:30pm, Chicago. More.
For the complete list of Upcoming Events, go to lakedems.org/events.
Click here to submit your event for consideration.
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How Do I Join Lake County Democrats?
Lake County Democrats is made up of people like you, people who are passionate about building better communities and a better world. We’re a grassroots political organization, working with Democrats in all parts of Lake County – from Antioch to Highland Park, Libertyville to Waukegan, Barrington to Zion. Become a member online now, (individual: $35/couples $60 – though more is always appreciated), or send a check payable to Lake County Democrats to P.O. Box 671, Lake Zurich, IL 60047. Questions? Contact info@lakedems.org.
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